This article is from the source 'independent' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/network-rail-trains-tracks-chris-grayling-privatisation-a7453471.html

The article has changed 3 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 0 Version 1
Network Rail to be 'stripped of control' over Britain’s train tracks Network Rail to be 'stripped of control' over Britain’s train tracks
(about 1 hour later)
Network Rail is to lose control over Britain’s train tracks as power is handed to private operators in a major shake-up of the railway system, the government will reportedly announce next week.Network Rail is to lose control over Britain’s train tracks as power is handed to private operators in a major shake-up of the railway system, the government will reportedly announce next week.
The move, which would mark the biggest change to the running of the rail network in decades, would see British rail companies such as Virgin and Southern becoming responsible for repairs and maintenance for the first time, ending state-owned Network Rail's monopoly. The move, which would mark the biggest change to the running of the rail network in decades, would see British rail companies such as Virgin and Southern becoming responsible for repairs and maintenance for the first time, ending state-owned Network Rail's monopoly.
Transport minister Chris Grayling is to announce the plans next week at Conservative think tank Policy Exchange on Tuesday, in the hope that the shift of control will incentivise train companies to carry out repairs more quickly and possibly bring in cheaper fares, according to The Telegraph.Transport minister Chris Grayling is to announce the plans next week at Conservative think tank Policy Exchange on Tuesday, in the hope that the shift of control will incentivise train companies to carry out repairs more quickly and possibly bring in cheaper fares, according to The Telegraph.
It comes as the rail industry announced train fares would go up by an average of 2.3 per cent – more than double the rate of inflation - from 2 January 2017, with some unregulated fares likely to see fares rise by considerably more.It comes as the rail industry announced train fares would go up by an average of 2.3 per cent – more than double the rate of inflation - from 2 January 2017, with some unregulated fares likely to see fares rise by considerably more.
Currently Britain’s train tracks - owned by Network Rail - and the trains that run on them are controlled by completely separate companies. Currently Britain’s train tracks - owned by Network Rail - and the trains that run on them are controlled by completely separate companies.
Mr Grayling has spoken previously of his lack of confidence in the railway system and his desire to give train operators more control.Mr Grayling has spoken previously of his lack of confidence in the railway system and his desire to give train operators more control.
As the Conservatives’ front-bench transport spokesman 10 years ago, he said: “We think, with hindsight, that the complete separation of track and train into separate businesses at the time of privatisation was not right for our railways.  As the Conservatives’ front-bench transport spokesman 10 years ago, he said: “We think, with hindsight, that the complete separation of track and train into separate businesses at the time of privatisation was not right for our railways.  
“The separation has helped push up the cost of running the railways - and hence fares - and has slowed decisions about capacity improvements.  “The separation has helped push up the cost of running the railways - and hence fares - and has slowed decisions about capacity improvements.  
“Too many people and organisations are now involved in getting things done - so nothing happens.”“Too many people and organisations are now involved in getting things done - so nothing happens.”
In publicity material sent out ahead of the speech, Policy Exchange repotedly said Mr Grayling's vision will “put the passenger at its heart, ensuring that journeys are safe, quick, and provide value for money”.  In publicity material sent out ahead of the speech, Policy Exchange repotedly said Mr Grayling's vision will “put the passenger at its heart, ensuring that journeys are safe, quick, and provide value for money”.
For Labour, shadow transport secretary Andy McDonald said that “privatising” the rail infrastructure would be an “irresponsible move”.
“The last thing our railways need is another layer of fragmentation and complexity. Train operating companies will only engage with this if they can extract more profit from taxpayers and fare-payers,” he said.
“It's remarkable that operators such as Southern who display a cavalier attitude towards cost cutting and safety might be invited to take responsibility for the repair and maintenance of the tracks.
“The last time the Tories privatised the tracks resulted in a series of fatal accidents that led to the creation of Network Rail in the first place. We don't want to see a return to the bad old days of Railtrack.”
Response to the reported plans on social media has been widely of concern and anger. One Twitter user said: “Government idea to turn Network Rail back into rail track in private hands to save money risks safety. Not a good idea!”Response to the reported plans on social media has been widely of concern and anger. One Twitter user said: “Government idea to turn Network Rail back into rail track in private hands to save money risks safety. Not a good idea!”
Meanwhile another went as far as to say passenger safety would be at serious risk in the hands of private companies, writing: “Government hands track repairs to profiteering Virgin and Southern. Deaths will result.”Meanwhile another went as far as to say passenger safety would be at serious risk in the hands of private companies, writing: “Government hands track repairs to profiteering Virgin and Southern. Deaths will result.”